Letters to the editor for April 4, 2013

The Union Democrat on Feb. 14 included an article about reactions in the local business community to President Obama’s call for an increase in the minimum wage. He urged Congress to raise the federal minimum from $7.25 to $9.00 per hour. In California the minimum wage is $8.00.

The business leaders and owners contacted tended to be opposed to the increase. One interviewee indicated that the wage hike “… would be a burden on small businesses.” Another said “Business people are struggling to survive as it is, and it (the wage increase) would, of course, make life harder.”

I imagine that a good many people working for minimum wages in the area could tell us a thing or two about burdens and “struggling to survive.”

Richard Peterson

Sonora

Reflecting on the community

To the Editor:

I am a former Tuolumne County resident. My daughter attended Connections Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Summerville High School for three years. I was shocked and saddened to hear about the bullying of Beto Dieste. My heart goes out to Beto and his family. I’m also outraged at the seemingly meager attempts of the administration to deal with the situation. No child deserves to be bullied. Allowing or dismissing bullying does a disservice to both victim and bully, or bullies. I had heard a rumor that one of the bullies was let off the hook so that he could play in a basket ball game. I hope that this is not true. If it is, then Summerville is guilty of gross incompetence. It would only send the message to that kid, that he can be as mean as he wants because he is an athlete. Today a minor suspension, tomorrow jail time. Isn’t it better to teach the more important lessons in life to these kids before they turn 18?

I loved Evelyn DeFelice’s letter. I thought it showed the true heart of Tuolumne County. Don’t let bullies define this community. To Beto and his family, I offer only my heartfelt compassion. I wish you all the support you need to support in you need, to climb out of this hell you never deserved.